If you spend any time outdoors at all, you need to wear sunglasses. Many people think the only time they need to wear sunglasses is summer at the beach, but they should actually be worn all year and no matter where you are during the day. They offer a number of different protections for your eyes every day. If you need sunglasses, call MacQueen Eye Care Center in Chicago, IL, to make your appointment.

Protection from UV Rays

The UV rays that come from the sun are highly damaging to the eyes. They are a form of radioactivity that can cause eye conditions like cataracts and macular degeneration. They can also cause sunburns on the front of the eyes. Today's sunglasses block UV rays, and they should be worn anytime you're outside during the day. Always look for sunglasses that provide 99% to 100% of UV protection.

Protect Your Eyes from Dry Eye

When you're outdoors, the wind is all around you. It can dry out your eyes as it causes the tear film on your eyes to quickly evaporate. This is especially true with the dry winds of the winter. Living in the Windy City, keeping your eyes covered outdoors is especially important. If you do get dry eye, you can expect eyes that itch, burn, turn red, and water. Keeping your eyes covered can deflect most of the wind away from your eyes.

Debris Protection

Where there's wind, there's also debris. Tiny pieces of debris blow in the wind, and they can land in your eyes. This can scratch the front of the eye painfully. Sunglasses protect your eyes from most of the debris in the air so that you don't end up with a scratch on your cornea.

Get Your Sunglasses

If you want to better protect your eyes outdoors, it's important to wear sunglasses. Get your pair by calling MacQueen Eye Care Center, your Chicago, IL, optometry clinic, and making your vision appointment. If you want prescription sunglasses, you need a recent prescription. Call us at (773) 586-8444 for your eye exam as well as to choose the best sunglasses for your tastes.